The Vertical Structure and Development of the ENSO Anomaly Mode during 1979–1989

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Abstract
The latest two Pacific basinwide warm episodes (1982–83 and 1986–87) exhibit some common features in their development and vertical structure. These features are examined by multivariate empirical orthogonal function analysis of the interannual variability of the ocean-atmosphere system along equatorial Indian and Pacific oceans. The updraft and downdraft branches of the anomalous Walker circulation originate over the western Pacific and the eastern Indian Ocean, respectively. The early development of basinwide warming is characterized by the strengthening of a cross-equatorial low-level southerly component over the eastern Pacific and the enhancement of convection and boundary-layer westerlies over the western Pacific. The structure of the ENSO anomaly mode changes from the cold to the warm phase of the Southern Oscillation. This is attributed to its eastward migration and the intrinsic longitudinal dependence of the vertical structure. The latter results from the east–west contrast of the air–s... Abstract The latest two Pacific basinwide warm episodes (1982–83 and 1986–87) exhibit some common features in their development and vertical structure. These features are examined by multivariate empirical orthogonal function analysis of the interannual variability of the ocean-atmosphere system along equatorial Indian and Pacific oceans. The updraft and downdraft branches of the anomalous Walker circulation originate over the western Pacific and the eastern Indian Ocean, respectively. The early development of basinwide warming is characterized by the strengthening of a cross-equatorial low-level southerly component over the eastern Pacific and the enhancement of convection and boundary-layer westerlies over the western Pacific. The structure of the ENSO anomaly mode changes from the cold to the warm phase of the Southern Oscillation. This is attributed to its eastward migration and the intrinsic longitudinal dependence of the vertical structure. The latter results from the east–west contrast of the air–s...

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